 Over the centuries since the Battle of Hastings, many people in England have claimed that an ancestor fought on the Norman side.While there is sound evidence of extensive settlement in England by people of Norman, Breton and Flemish origin after 1066, the fact remains that the names of only 15 men who were with Duke William at the battle can be found in reliable sources.This group is sometimes called the "proven companions," Many lists and so-called "rolls" of other alleged companions have been drawn up over the ages but, unless new evidence turns up, all are conjecture of no historical value.